Top 10 Affordable Surf Camps in Latin America [2024]
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Most of Latin America’s lush coastlines are blessed with year-round sunshine, warm water, balmy climate, and some of the world’s best waves.
While some destinations already have long-standing popularity among surfers, others are just beginning to gain the recognition they deserve. This means that, whatever you’re looking for, whether it is lively beach resorts with quality surf and a vibrant nightlife, or a tucked away tropical paradise away from all the noise, you’re bound to find it in Central and South America.
Even better, surfing in Latin America doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, as there are many budget surf camps to choose from that offer a high-quality experience.
Here are some of the best to help you get started on your adventure:
4-Day Surf Camp in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Skill level: Beginners & intermediate surfers
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$300
Are you craving a short getaway? Looking to learn to surf or just escape the city life for a while?
The tropical beaches in Tamarindo are among the best places to learn to surf in Costa Rica, with friendly waves that are ideal for beginners and intermediates.
The expert tuition, high-quality surfing equipment, and welcoming atmosphere of this surf camp, guarantee the ultimate Costa Rican surfing experience. Playa Tamarindo is only a five-minute walk from the hotel. Also close by, Playa Avellanas, Playa Langosta, Playa Grande, and Playa Negra offer great waves for intermediate and advanced surfers.
The package includes two two-hour surf lessons, one snorkeling trip, one yoga lesson, a free T-shirt, daily Costa Rican breakfast, and free use of the surfboards for self-practice. At the end of the camp, you’ll also receive a USB stick with pictures of you surfing.
» READ MORE: The Best Surfing Destinations in Latin America
4-Day Surf Vacation in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$700
Are you looking to learn to surf, improve, or ride the best waves in Costa Rica? Join this affordable surf camp in Santa Teresa and get high-quality surf lessons with local instructors.
Stay in a surf hostel in the middle of Santa Teresa, only a few steps from the beach, with access to the swimming pool, communal kitchen, and lounge area. Enjoy three surf lessons adapted to your level, with all the necessary surfing equipment provided by the camp.
Furthermore, you’ll get free board rental during your stay so you can surf as much as you want, whenever you want. You can also take advantage of the free bike rental to get around and explore the area at your own pace. The camp also provides free snorkeling equipment so that you can go diving in various locations around Santa Teresa.
On a typical day, you’ll have a filling breakfast and head out to the best waves of the day for your level. Then, you’ll have lunch and get some rest before your next activity, which can be free surfing, diving, cycling, chilling at the beach, or other activities.
The package includes daily breakfast and a welcome smoothie.
» READ MORE: All You Need to Know About Surfing in Costa Rica
7-Day Surf Camp in Jaco, Puntarenas
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Skill level: Beginner and Intermediate
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Availability: All year round
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Price: From US$799
Have you been dreaming of immersing yourself in Costa Rica’s Pura Vida lifestyle?
With more than 20% of visitors coming to Costa Rica to surf, Puntarenas is one of the most popular surfing spots in the country. Along the Central Pacific coast, Jaco is the most well-known destination for surfers in the entire country.
This surf camp takes place in Jaco, a vibrant beach party town, renowned for its stunning surf beaches and located close to the capital of San Jose.
Stay in one of the top 10 best surf boutique hostels and hotels in the world. You can choose between luxurious private rooms with ocean views and shared dorms.
Guided by an expert, you'll learn about surf conditions, different kinds of waves, and more. You’ll also deepen your skills and consolidate your knowledge during all 6 lessons on the board. By the end of this program, you'll be able to tap clean green waves with confidence in every aspect.
During the program, you’ll also partake in a yoga session, meditation, or breathing exercises. Moreover, you’ll watch a video analysis to analyze your techniques. In addition, you’ll go hiking to enjoy the sunset over the beautiful Miro Mountain.
The package also includes daily breakfast. The closest airport to the camp is Santander Airport (SDR). Airport transfers are available for an additional fee.
» READ MORE: How to Surf & Work Remotely
8-Day Budget Surf Camp in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$735
Join this budget surf camp in Mexico adapted for all levels that promises a fun and safe beach holiday. During your stay, you’ll enjoy five semi-private surfing sessions of two hours each, ensuring a highly personalized experience with immediate feedback and advice for fast progress. There will also be one group coaching session.
The surfing lessons are held in both English and Spanish and are adapted to all levels and ages. The experienced instructors will assess your skill level and you’ll be divided into small groups of two participants of similar abilities.
The lodging is within walking distance from the beach and the town center with its lively bars and restaurants. Each day, you’ll be taken from the surf house to the best waves of the day depending on the conditions, a wonderful opportunity to explore a variety of different surf spots.
On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the camp offers free fitness classes. These include flexibility and balance exercises, core, strength, and aerobic training, as well as plyometric sessions to improve your speed and agility.
8-Day Surf Camp in Playa Venao, Panama
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$2,562
With white-sandy beaches, great waves, candy-colored houses, and bohemian vibes, Playa Venao is one of Panama’s most popular surf spots and of the best places on the planet to learn to surf or improve.
No matter where you are in your journey, the experienced instructors on this surf camp will either guide you to the best waves in the area, help you improve your surfing, or assist you as you catch your very first waves. You’ll also get complimentary surf photos and video.
During your stay, you’ll enjoy daily surf lessons adapted to your skill level. The staff provides lessons for all levels and provides all the necessary surfing equipment. You’ll also get free use of the surfing equipment outside the lessons.
The accommodation is snuggled on the beach, steps away from the Pacific Ocean. The package includes daily breakfast, water, coffee, tea, and fresh juice. You can also benefit from the camp’s free bike rental to explore your surroundings.
» READ MORE: Your Guide to the Best Surf Spots in Mexico
7-Day Beginner Surf Camp in Santa Elena, Ecuador
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$380
This Surf Camp takes place in Olon, a small coastal town with beautiful beaches where you can find some of the best waves in Ecuador and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere on this affordable surf camp.
The program includes a total of 7.5 hours of surf lessons where you’ll be introduced to surf through several courses designed to teach you different techniques of paddling, duck-diving and stand up.
You’ll also get a total of 7.5 hours of survival Spanish lessons and plenty of opportunities to practice by talking to locals while enjoying yourself in fun activities such as cooking classes, or pool games.
In terms of accommodation, you can choose between a local living program or a shared house. If you opt for the local living program, you’ll be provided with a private bedroom in a family house, as well as access to all the household appliances and services. This option is great if you wish to learn more about their culture, improve your Spanish and connect with the local community.
On the other hand, the shared house features four rooms that can accommodate from three to four people maximum, and you can either stay in a room with a private or a shared bathroom. The house is only a few steps from the beach, and it includes hot water, Wi-Fi, a kitchen and barbecue facilities.
During your free time, you can visit the towns nearby, rent a bike and explore the area through mountains and rivers, visit Montanita and enjoy its lively nightlife, or stay in Olon where you can enjoy its tranquil waves, or spend the evening in a local restaurant.
6-Day Surf Camp with Professionals in Huanchaco, Peru
- Skill level: Beginners & intermediates
- Availability: May till December
- Price: From US$275
It should come as no surprise that budget-friendly surf camps abound in Peru, one of the world’s most affordable surfing destinations. However, if you wish to learn to surf or take your skills to the next level under the guidance of professional surfers, this surf camp in Huanchaco might prove to be an excellent choice.
Huanchaco is home to five surf breaks for all levels, spread across over one kilometer (0.6 miles) of beaches. During this camp, you’ll stay in a family-run hostel less than five minutes away from the nearest surf spot. There are numerous restaurants nearby where you can enjoy authentic Peruvian dishes.
There will be five surf lessons of 1.5 hours each. Each lesson includes theory, safety briefing, and warm-up on the beach before getting into the water. The coaches will adapt the lessons to your skill level and the surfing conditions of the day. There will be a maximum of three students per instructor, which ensures personalized feedback and a fun and safe experience.
You’ll benefit from free equipment rental throughout your stay so you can surf for as much as you like outside the lessons. The package also includes a "Caballito de totora" tour (traditional fisher boat tour).
» READ MORE: What Will You Learn on a Surf Camp for Beginners?
7-Day Surf Camp in Florianópolis, Brazil
- Skill level: Beginner and Intermediate
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$305
Craving for some fun in the sun, and endless waves? Look no further than Barra de Lagoa Beach in Florianópolis, and treat yourself to an epic week of surfing!
Imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean waves, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and the promise of adventure just steps away from your accommodation. Whether you’re a beginner eager to catch your first wave, or an intermediate looking to refine your skills, this surf camp offers an exhilarating adventure.
Stay at the surf camp just in front of the beach. Choose between shared dorms or private double rooms with ocean-view balconies, complete with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
You’ll Spend five days mastering the waves, each lesson being two hours long. You’ll also level up your skills with personalized coaching, and have a day dedicated to analyze and refine your techniques through photo and video analysis.
When you’re not riding the waves, wander through the neighborhood’s historic streets, explore local shops, or partake in excursions like kitesurfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboard tours.
Kindly note that this package doesn’t include any meals but the accommodation offers a fully equipped kitchen and there are shops in the area.
6-Day Advanced Surf Camp Puerto Sandino, Leon, Nicaragua
- Skill level: Advanced
- Availability: July till December
- Price: From US$725
Take your surfing to new heights with this budget-friendly surf camp located right in front of the famous Punta Marimar point break, in a sleepy fishing village in Puerto Sandino. The surf spot gets offshore winds all day, and offers several points and beach breaks for all levels to enjoy.
You can rest assured that you’ll have plenty of surf sessions during your stay, with boat ride access to Nicaragua's best uncrowded waves.
The surf camp has an ocean-side pool on the edge of the cliff that overlooks Punta Miramar, a skate park, a restaurant, a bar, and hammocks to relax.
The package includes all daily meals (three home-cooked meals a day, plus juice or ice tea), with fresh organic ingredients from the surf camp’s garden, while all the meat and fish are purchased locally. Roundtrip transportation from Managua or Leon is also included.
5-Day Surf Camp in Surf & Skate House Oasis in Ñuro, Mancora Area
- Skill level: Beginner and Intermediate
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$450
Are you ready to ride the epic waves in Peru? Join Surf Racer House Peru in their little gem on the Peruvian North Shore! The weather is warm, the waves are mellow, and the cuisine is simply delicious.
With consistent swells and favorable wind conditions, Máncora is renowned among surfers for its epic waves. At the main beach in front of the town, you’ll find a left reef break that offers long and mellow rides, a favorite among local longboarders.
Located in Punta Farallon, a beautiful, almost private, safe and quiet beach of residential homes, and 15 minutes south of Mancora Town, you’ll find a quiet and friendly community surf house. Here, you’ll get the chance to meet like-minded people, relax and reconnect with the ocean, as well as enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
You’ll be staying in a Board House, which is located a few meters from the beach. Offering an open and spacious living room and kitchen on the first floor and a huge terrace, adorned with hammocks and a chill area, the Surf Racer House Peru provides ample space for relaxation and socializing. On the second floor, you can find two bedrooms with a beautiful ocean view, equipped with three single beds.
You’ll start your day at 7.30 a.m. with a gourmet breakfast and coffee before leaving for the beach to begin your surfing lessons. Afternoons are off but you can spend your time as you like: relax in the hammocks, visit a local beach, and more.
If you are looking also to chase the wind, Surf Racer House IKO instructors will be there for kitesurfing lessons in uncrowded and windy spots.
The closest airport to the camp is Talara’s Capitán FAP Víctor Montes Arias International Airport (TYL). A bit further out is Piura’s FAP Captain Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport (PIU). However, you’ll likely need to fly into Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) before you connect internally.
*Cover image credit: Los Clavos Surf Camp
Short on time? Join a weekend surf camp in the Americas and Caribbean for an authentic and intense surfing experience just a few days long!